Syllabus & Handbook

Drama

Fall 2020 Syllabus Ms. Towne Heritage Academy, Mesa
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is an introduction to theatre and an overview of theatre production. It is meant to introduce scholars to the many ways in which they can participate in the art of theatre. Scholars will learn the basics of stage acting through a variety of techniques and exercises. The course will include a wide variety of small and large ensemble work, individual acting exercises, class discussions, written assignments, and video assignments. Scholars will occasionally be shown videos for examples and analysis of performance.Scholar Expectations: Be Responsible - Be Respectful - Be Ready – Be Considerate – Be Kind Students are to adhere to the Heritage code of conduct, rules and standards, as well as the rules in the Heritage Mesa drama handbook. Participation in class, drama activities and performances are mandatory and graded. Scholars must attend and be on time to any scheduled out of class rehearsal or evening performance. Participation: Scholars must be on time, have active and positive participation, and adhere to Heritage standards of scholar conduct in order to earn full daily participation points. Attitude is everything! Activities include physical, vocal and acting exercises, class discussions, written assignments, rehearsals, and performances. If scholars do not actively participate or are pulled from activities due to behavior, full participation points will not be earned. When classes are held online, participation points will be earned when scholars fully complete assignments and turn them in on time.Assignments/ Performances: This is an interactive course. Scholars will regularly participate in small and large group activities. When assignments are given online, they are due based on class schedule. Assignments will be posted online by 8 am on your first Drama day of the week. A-day assignments are due Wednesday or Monday by midnight. B-day assignments are due Thursday or Tuesday by midnight. Some online assignments will be due in 2 days and others will not be due for a week or more. Scholars will be required to submit video recordings when in person assignments or performances are not possible. Both written and performance-based assignments, quizzes and tests will be given during the semester. Attendance is mandatory for final class performances (usually the week of the semester).Homework: Students should expect a limited amount of homework mostly consisting of character analyses and line memorization. Memorization of lines for performances must be memorized by the date indicated.Late Work due to Absence: Scholars are allowed to make up missed assignments based on the number of days that they were absent. (except for final performances)Extra Credit: A few extra credit assignments will be offered to the entire class.Required Supplies2 sharpened pencils, a 3 prong folder with pockets for class materials that will remain in the classroom (unless scholars take it home to study lines).School Appropriate: Scholars are given a great deal of creative freedom within this class. However, the creativity must be confined within “school appropriateness.” Please refer to your student handbook for any questions regarding what is acceptable at Heritage Academy. If the teacher feels the content is questionable, scholars will be advised and warned if improvisations are deemed inappropriate.No Food/Drinks/Gum: There will be no food, drinks or gum allowed in the auditorium or the dressing room classrooms except re-sealable bottled water. Food or drink may be stored in a lunchbox or backpack. Dress Code: This school has an enforced dress code. Follow it. As an actor, you will be expected to do a full range of movements and activities. This requires clothing that allows you to move freely and unrestricted. Scholars who wear skirts or dresses will need to wear shorts underneath during class. Consequences: Scholars are expected to behave as theatre professionals and will be treated as such. However, when a scholar is not being professional the following will occur: 1. Teacher Warning 2. Log entry 3. Conference between student and teacher 4. Removal from classroom and parent contacted. Students will be subject to the discipline procedures outlined in the student handbook. More serious infractions will accelerate discipline procedures.Grading Policy: Class Participation (50% of Grade) includes online written assignments when in person classes not availableClasswork/Quizzes (20% of Grade) includes written reflections and assignments/quizzesPerformances (30% of Grade) A+ - A- = 100% - 90% B+ - B- = 89% - 80% C+ - C- = 79% - 70% D+ - D- = 69% - 60% F = Below 60% If you would like to contact Miss Towne, please email – ltowne@heritageacademyaz.com I look forward to having you in my class this year. I believe we will have a lot of fun. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via email or comment on google assignments. Please complete the google classroom syllabus assignment indicating that both you and your parent/guardian have read and understood this syllabus.